Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-01-15
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
Legislative Measures Suggested and
Urged by 1t.

Legislative Measures Suggested and
Urged by 1t.
A meeting of the State Board of Health
was held in Sacramento on Wednesday
evening, to which several members of the
Legislature were invited, in order that they
might be informed upon subjects apper-
tanning to the sanitary welfare Of the peo-
pie which the State Board of Health deem
necessary 10 be brought before the Legisla-
ture this winter. After the reading and
approval OF the minutes, the Secretary, Dr..
Tyrrell, stated that the subjects upon viii, h
legislation is desired ere:
First-That contingent fund of not less
than $4,000 be placed at the disposal of
the Governor for the protection of the State
from the invasion of infectious and conta-
gious diseases, if such should threaten our
borders such fund to be used only at the
discretion OF the Governor, and by the ad-
vice and al The request of the State Board
of Health
l: was explained that just now small
pox was prevailing at Guaymas and
along the southern frontier; that yellow
fever was endemic at Mazatlan, in Rosario,
Guaymas and other towns in close commu-
nication with US; that at any time it may
10 escape it was by strict quarantine OF the
means of ingress. Il was also stated that
| cholera was more than likely to visit us
| mis- coming summer, and that there was
not single dollar that could be appropri-
| ated for thus purpose under the control OF
| The Governor.
| After some discussion of the matter it
was resolved that the State Board of Health
ask the Committee on Ways and Means to
have this money appropriated for the pur-
poses stated.
Second-The State Board of Health de-
sire that the present law relative to births,
| deaths and marriages, be amended so that
no human body shall be inferred, Gre
mated or otherwise disposed of without
| first obtaining permit from proper Off
Ger appointed for that purpose, and then
only upon presentation of a certificate
| signed by the attending physician, stating
the name, age, nationality and cause OF
| death or, if no physician was in attend
ance, then by the Coroner, or otherwise by
two reputable citizens. 1t is thought
| that, by this means, complete statistical
record of all the deaths in the State could
be collected, and that crime will be dimin-
ished or, if committed, will be detected
whereas now it may lie buried with its
| victim.
| Third-The Board of Health unani-
mously agreed that it was in the interest of
| the State to have ali children attending the
public schools of this State vaccinated, and
| desired law enacted for that purpose, in
conformity with the usage of New York
and other States. The Board also seek to
amend the law relating to local Boards of
| Health, SO as to compel the organization of
such Boards in every county in the State,
and the appointment of Health Officers.
In order to do this it was agreed to seek
mandatory powers for the State Board of
| Health, so that where county officers
neglected this duty, or refused to carry out
the law, that the State Board should have
the power OF itself to organize such Boards,
as it is well-known fact that it requires
efficient organization in order to lessen or
arrest disease.
The subject of the office of State Analyst
was then discussed. The State Analyst,
Professor W. b. Rising, being present,
| stated that it would be impossible for him
| to analyZe the mineral waters OF the State
without assistance and therefore asked that
| an appropriation of s., 600 for two years be
| sought for and thought that with that sum
| he could have an analysis of all the princi-
| pal springs made, which would be official.
| As this was a subject pertaining essentially
TO the welfare of the State, the Board prom
| ised to do its utmost to have such sum set
apart for this purpose
| After the discussion OF some matters re-
| lating to sanitary conditions as influenced
| by food and drink, the meeting adjourned.